Sean O'Neill (footballer) explained

Sean O'Neill
Birth Date:11 April 1988
Birth Place:Belfast, Northern Ireland
Position:Goalkeeper
Currentclub:Ballymena United
Clubnumber:1
Youthyears1:2004–2005
Youthclubs1:Glentoran
Years1:2005–2010
Caps1:18
Goals1:0
Years2:2010–2011
Caps2:36
Goals2:0
Years3:2011–2022
Clubs3:Crusaders
Caps3:247
Goals3:0
Years4:2022
Clubs4:Ballymena United (loan)
Caps4:8
Goals4:0
Years5:2022–
Caps5:64
Goals5:0
Nationalyears1:2009
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2009–2011
Nationalcaps2:2
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:17:45, 21 April 2024 (UTC)

Sean O'Neill (born 11 April 1988) is a sportsman from Northern Ireland. He currently plays association football for NIFL Premiership club Ballymena United. He has also played inter-county Gaelic football for Antrim.

Club career

Sean began his career at Glentoran, before moving to Ballymena United in March 2005.[1] He spent 5 years at United, starting as back up to Alan Blayney, and then when Blayney left, O'Neill was first choice although never really established himself in the first team, making a total of 21 appearances during his time there.

He signed for Dungannon Swifts in the summer of 2010 as a replacement for Alvin Rouse, and established himself as first choice keeper, playing in 36 of 38 league games.[2] His performances led to praise, with good displays combined with playing as goalkeeper for Antrim GAA drawing plaudits.[3]

He signed for Crusaders in the summer of 2011, replacing outgoing keeper Chris Keenan.[4] He ceased playing GAA not long after joining.[5]

O'Neill became Crusaders' regular number one, until dislocating his shoulder on 12 January 2013 in an Irish Cup tie against Linfield.[6] Although expected to be out for the rest of the season, he returned in time for the Irish Cup semi-final against Cliftonville on 6 April.

The season 2014–15 was a very successful season for O'Neill as Crusaders lifted the Gibson Cup. Due to his performances throughout the season, O'Neill was selected in the Northern Ireland Football Writers Team of the year.

On 31 January 2022, O'Neill returned to former club Ballymena United on loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.[7] He re-joined the club permanently on 16 June 2022, signing a three-year contract.

International career

He has represented Northern Ireland at U17, U18, U19, U21, and U23 level.[8]

Honours

Crusaders

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sean O'Neill. Ballymena United F.C..
  2. News: Dungannon sign Sean O'Neill after Alvin Rouse departs. BBC Sport. BBC. 14 July 2010. 14 July 2010.
  3. News: Dungannon Swifts in safe hands with O'Neill: Robinson. The Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media. 4 February 2011. 4 February 2011.
  4. News: Keeper Chris Keenan departs from Crusaders. BBC Sport. BBC. 15 May 2011. 15 May 2011.
  5. News: Sean O'Neill to focus on Crusaders rather than Antrim. BBC Sport. BBC. 28 June 2011. 28 June 2011.
  6. Web site: Crusaders draft in two goalkeepers following injury to Sean O'Neill - Belfast Newsletter . 4 May 2013 . 10 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181010095521/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/football/crusaders-draft-in-two-goalkeepers-following-injury-to-sean-o-neill-1-4697134 . dead .
  7. BallymenaUnited . 1488278555239002114 . Sean O'Neill signs.
  8. Web site: Sean O'Neill. Northern Ireland's Footballing Greats.